Dispenser



2 Sheets-Sheet 1 June 12, 1956 R. H, THoMAs DISPENSER Filld Sep). 4.1952 June l2, 1956 R. H. THOMAS DISPENSER 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Sept.4, 1952 aan INVENTUR. RALPH H. THaMAs @Awb TTR/VE Y United States PatentOiice 2,749,566 Patented June 12, 1958 2,749,566 DISPENSER Applicationseptember 4, 195s, smal No. 301,150 14 claims. (cl. lsf-132.7)

The present invention relates to iluid dispensing containers and moreparticularly to ball-top containers for dispensing liquid, pasty orcreamy iluids such as deodorants, lotions and the like.

An object of the invention has been to provide a simple, easilyfabricated dispenser for deodorants, lotions or other ilowablesubstances which is constructed with a revolvable ball-dispensing valveadapted to be pressed against and rolled over the surface to which thetlowable substance is to be applied.

Another obiect of the invention has been to provide a dispenser of theabove type which will not leak, and which will substantially prevent anyevaporation of the dispensers contents.

A further object of the invention has been to provide a dispenser of theabove type which will be ready for instant use at all times.

A feature of the invention has been the provision of a resilient snap-onring for retaining the ball in the desired position in the open end ofthe container.

Another feature of the invention has been the provision of a reservoirwithin `which a quantity of llowable substance is retained in contactwith the ball by capillary attraction.

Still another feature of the invention has been the provision of meansfor sealing the ball against leakage and evaporation when not in use,which means is subiected to horizontal compression by a camming action.

Other and further obiects, features and advantages of the invention willappear from the following description.

In accordance with the invention, these objects are achieved byproviding a container, such as a bottle, having an open end, a generallyspherical ball adapted to tit partially within the open end ot thecontainer, means for rotatably supporting the ball partially within theopen end of the container, the means comprising an annular ring having arelatively flexible bearing portion adapted to encompass a portion ofthe ball and retain the same against movement outwardly of the open endof the con tainer and a clamping portion thereof adapted firmly toengage the container adjacent the open end thereof, and a hollow,relatively stiif cap adapted releasably to engage the bearing portion ofthe ring and to urge the same rmly into engagement with the ball toprevent leakage of the duid within the container past the ball when thecap is engaged with the .bearing portion of the ring. The supportingmeans for the ball also includes a plurality of bearing surfaces locatedwithin the open end of the container and which may be formed integrallywith the container or the annular ring. In accordance with a furtherfeature of the invention, the annular ring is provided with a fluidreservoir within which iluid is retained in contact with a portion ofthe ball by capillary attraction.

'Ihe invention will now be described in greater detail with reference tothe appended drawing in which:

Fig. l is an elevational view of a huid dispenser, constructed inaccordance with the invention, and having the cap shown removed from theapplying end;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of the applying end ofthe dispenser of Fig. l with the cap removed and the dispenser ready foruse, the view of Fig. 2 being taken along the line 2-2 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view similar to Fig. the cap in position closingthe applying end;

Fig. 4 is a sectional view of the container neck and ball retaining ringtaken along the line 4-4 of Fig. 2, the ball applicator being omittedfor clarity;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view, similar to a portion of Fig. 2,and illustrating a modification of the construction according to theinvention;

Fig. 6 is a sectional view, similar to Fig. 3, and illustrating anothermodification of the construction according to the invention; and

Fig. 7 is a sectional elevational view of an alternative form of thedispenser especially adapted to dispense viscous or semi-solidmaterials.

Referring now to the drawing and more particularly to Figs. l-4 thereof,the dispenser comprises generally a container or bottle portion 10,forming a main reservoir for a fluid such as a liquid, creamy or pastydeodorant, hand or face lotion, hair tonic and the like, a generallyspherical ball applicator l1, an annular ball-retaining ring 12 and acap 13 for closing the applying end.

The bottle 10, which may be formed of any convenient material, such asglass or styrene, may be given any deaired shape. but is preferablyprovided with a generally cylindrical portion 14 adjacent the open endthereof. The open end of the bottle is preferably formed as a reduceddiameter neck 15 having an outwardly extending ange 16 at the outer endthereof. The upper surface of die neck 15, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3,may be provided with a proecting ring or bump 17 of semi-circularcross-section to provide an additional leak-preventing seal, Between thecylindrical portion 14 and the iiange 16, the neck 15 may be providedwith one or more relatively narrow outwardly extending keys 1B. As shownin Fig. 4, two keys 1B are provided on opposite sides of the neck 15.

The inner surface of the neck 15 is provided with spaced inwardlyextending projections or lugs 19 each having a bearing surface 20arranged to support the ball 11 for rotation in any direction about itscenter. The lugs 19 serve to retain the ball 11 from lateral motion andalso assist in retaining the same at the desired position partiallywithin the open end of the container 10. As shown in Fig. 4, there arethree evenly spaced lugs 19. The ball 11, which is preferably formed ofglass or other material the dimensions of which can be accuratelycontrolled, is supported on the surfaces 20, but preferably does notcome in contact with any other portion of the container 10. The annularring 12 is provided with an annular clamping portion 21 which is adaptedto snap on over the outside of the neck 15. To facilitate the snap-onoperation and also to facilitate a sealing operation to be described,the ring 12 is preferably formed of a relatively resilient material suchas polyethylene. The outside diameter of the clamping portion 2l ispreferably about equal to that of the portion 14 of bottle 10. Thethickness and inside conguration of the clamping portion 21 should beselected to match the outside of the bottle neck 15. For this purpose,the portion 21 is provided with recesses 22 and 23 extending around thecircumference thereof and adapted to accommodate the ilange 16 and thering 17, respectively. As shown in Fig. 4, a pair of recesses 24 areprovided in the portion 21 to accommodate the keys 18, the keys thuspreventing rotation of the ring 12 about the top of the bottle 10. Whenthe ring 12 is snapped on over the neck 15, the flange 16, ring 17 andkeys 18 and their accommodating recesses serve to retain the'ring 12firmly in place about the neck 15.

2, but with 2,749, use

The ring 12 is also provided with an annular bearing portion preferablylocated above the center of the ball 11. As shown in Fig. 2, in whichfigure the cap 13 is not in place, a bearing surface 26 of the portion2S is spaced from the ball 11 by a small amount. The spacing between theball 1l and the bearing surface 26 should be sufficiently great that thefluid carried on the surface of the ball 1l as the same is rotated isnot wiped off by contact with the surface 26. However, this spacing ispreferably sufficiently small that the ball ll will be keptsubstantially in position in the bottle neck when the bottle isinverted. In a preferred embodiment of the invention intended fordispensing a fairly thick creamy deodorant and having a ball radius ofabout 0.365 inch, the bearing surface 26 was formed with a radius ofabout 0.369 inch, giving a clearance of about 0.004 inch. Thedimensions, which are given solely for purposes of illustration, are notintended to limit the invention in any way, and of course would varydepending on the consistency of the lotion to be dispensed.

The outer surface of the portion 25 is adapted to engage the innersurface of the cap 13. For this purpose, the cap 13 may be provided withinternal threads 27 and the portion 25 with matching external threads28. The inside of the cap 13 tapers inwardly from the open end thereofso that the root diameter of the threads at the open end of the cap 13is greater than the root diameter thereof further inside the cap. Theroot diameter of the threads provided adjacent the inside end of the capis somewhat less than the corresponding dimension of the threadsprovided on the ring 12 so that, when the cap 13 is screwed down on thering 12, an inwardly or horizontally directed force is exerted on thebearing portion 25 of the ring 12. This force urges the portion 25 tomove inwardly and results in the surface 26 firmly engaging the ball 1l,as shown in Fig. 3. The engagement of the surface 26 and the ball 11provides an effective seal to prevent leakage of fluid or evaporationwhen the cap is in place. In order for proper sealing action to beachieved, the ring 12 should be more resilient than the cap 13 so thatthe compressive force exerted as the cap is screwed down results in aninward deformation of the portion 25 rather than an outward deformationof the cap 13. This difference in resiliency is preferably achieved bymaking the ring 12 and the cap 13 of different materials. Thus, the capmight conveniently be formed of styrene while thc ring might be formedof polyethylene, the latter being more resilient than the former. Thedesired relative stiffness of the cap 13 and the ring l2 might also besecured by providing the former with thicker walls than the latter.

The amount of internal taper required in the cap 13 is dependent on thenormal spacing of the surface 26 and the ball 11. Preferably, the taperis selected so that the firm sealing action desired is achlevedwvlienthe cap is completely screwed on so that the cetera-end of the cap restson the opposing edge of the ring-112.

As shown in Fig, 3, the cap 13 is provided with a hollow dome portion 29adapted to accommodatethe upper portion of the ball l1.

Since the internal diameter of the ring l2 at the surface 26 is lessthan the diameter of the ball 11, it will be observed that the portions25 of the ring 12 should be able to ex outwardly to allow the ball 12 tobe passed therethrough in assembling;the dispenser. Alternatively, theball l1 may be seatedlfrst and the ring 12 passed thereover before beingsnapped on over the neck l5. The tight llt provided between the ring andthe neck 15 prevents leakage of the fluid therebetween.

When it is desired to use the dispenser, the cap is unscrewed, thebottle 10 is wholly or partially inverted and the ball ll is placed incontact with and rolled over the surface to which the uid is to beapplied. When the bottle is inverted, the uid therein contacts the lowerportion of the ball l1, wetting the ball and adhering thereto.

4 As the ball 11 is rolled, the portion thereof to which fluid hasadhered will be carried beyond the surface 26 and into contact with thesurface to which the fluid is to be applied. At the same time, anotherportion of the ball l1 is brought into contact with the fluid in thebottle.

ln order that the application of the fluid be effected as expeditiouslyas possible, it is desirable that a relatively large portion of thesurface of the ball 11 be in a position to contact the fluid within thebottle. As will be observed from Fig. 2, the entire ball area inwardlyof the surface 26, with the exception of those portions engaged by thebearing surfaces 20, may be contacted with fluid.

A portion of the inside surface of the ring 12 inwardly of the surface26 and an abutting portion of the inner surface of each of the lugs 19upwardly of the surfaces 2.0 are recessed to provide an auxiliaryreservoir 30. During a dispensing operation, fluid flows from the mainreservoir constituted by the container 10 into the auxiliary reservoir30. When the dispenser is returned to an upright position, fluid isretained within the reservoir 30 and in lubricating contact with theadjacent surface of the ball 11 by capillary attraction. In order forcapillary attraction to be effective in forming a liquid seal within thereservoir 30, the walls thereof must have a relatively small spacing. Inother words, the spacing between the outer surface of ball l1 and theadjacent inner surface of the ring l2 in the reservoir area must besmall enough for capillary attraction to take place. However, thespacing should be too small as otherwise it would interfere with theflow of tluid into the reservoir when the dispenser is wholly orpartially inverted for use. It is evident that the spacing desired willbe dependent on the character and viscosity of the fluid within thebottle. In the example given above for a container for use with arelatively thick creamy deodorant uid, and in which the ball was given aradius of 0.365 inch, the outer surface of the reservoir 3|] mightconveniently be formed with a radius of about 0.379 inch from the centerof the ball 1l. Of course, when the cap 13 is in place, as in Fig. 3,the reservoir diamcter is decreased slightly by the inward compressiveforce exerted by the cap on the upper portion of the ring l2. Thisreduced spacing, while small, is desirable since it enhances thecapillary attraction at a time when it is not desired that fluid flowfrom the bottle 10 into the auxiliary reservoir 30.

Provision of the reservoir 30 allows the dispenser to be ready forimmediate use when the cap 13 is removed because those portions of theball 11 just inward of the surface 26 are kept constantly lubricated. Assoon as the ball l1 is rolled a slight distance, the wet surface thereofis in contact with the surface to which the fluid is to be applied. Ifthe reservoir 30 were not provided, and if the uid were relativelyviscous, a greater amount of rolling `.would have to take place before awet portion of the balLsurface came into applying position. Furthermore;the liquid seal provided in the reservoir 30 prevents rlr'ying out ofthe fluid adjacent the ball 11 during extended periods of idleness. Wereit not for the reservoir 30 and the liquid seal provided therein, smallamounts of fluid which would adhere to the b'all 1l would tend to dryout and form a coating on fef'ball surface which might interfere withthe free rotatidn llereof.

Referring now to Fig. 5, there is illtltfted a modified construction ofthe annular ring 12 and e container 10. As shown in Figs. 2-4, the lug19,h together with its surface 20, is formed as an integral part of thebottle or container 10. In Fig. 5, however, a lug 31, having a bearingsurface 32, is formed as an extension of the annular snap-on ring 12.The neck portion 33 of the bottle 10 is somewhat simpler in shape thanthe neck l5 and comprises a reduced diameter portion 34 with anoutwardly extending flange 35 corresponding to the flange 16.

The ballsupporting functions of the surface 32 are identical to those ofthe surface 20. The remainder of the construction may be identical tothat shown and described in connection with Figs. 24.

The ball sealing function of the resilient bearing portion 25 with itsbearing surface 26 is applicable to other ball top dispenserarrangements. For example, in dispensing relatively thick substances,such as various deodorante, lotions and the like, the substance to bedispensed may be formed in the shape of a cylindrical stick and includedwithin a dispenser similar to those employed for lipsticks. Such adispenser might comprise, for example as shown in Fig. 7, a generallycylindrical stationary outer container 60 having an open end adapted toaccommodate a rotatable spherical ball 62. An inner container .63 isfrictionaly secured within the outer container 60 and the innercontainer is provided with an internal sleeve 64 and a cup 65 slidablerelative thereto for holding the bottom of the stick 66. A thumb knob 67or the like on the bottom of the dispenser frictlonally engages a shortcylindrical sleeve 6l which is secured to the internal sleeve 64 tocause the saine to turn relative to the stationary outer container 60and the inner container 63. A spiral slot 69 is provided in the innercontainer 63 to cooperate with a vertical slot 70 in the internal sleeve64. A pin 71 retained in the wall of the cup 65 and extending into thespiral slot 69 in the inner container through the vertical slot 70 inthe internal sleeve 64 causes the cup 65 to rise or fall within theinternal sleeve 64 as the same is turned by the thumb knob 67, thedirection of travel depending on the direction of turning. Inthismanner, the stick 66 is held against the bottom surface of therotatable ball 62 to provide a coating of the substance to be dispensedthereon. Other well known lipstick container type mechanisms could beemployed. A resilient element 72 similar to the bearing portion 25 isprovided adjacent the outer end of the outer container to retain theball 62 against outward movement. An internally tapered hollow cap 75 isprovided to urge the resilient element 72 firmly into engagement withthe ball 62 to seal the dispenser when not in use. The internal sleeve64 may have an extremity of a configuration similar to that of element(Fig. 4).

In a modified form of construction according to theI invention, shown inFig. 6, the reduced diameter neck portion 40 of the container or bottle10 is provided with a recessed portion 41 and an outwardly extendingflange portion 42 to accommodate corresponding portions of a clampingportion 43 of a resilient annular snap on ring 44. The ring 44corresponds generally with the ring 12 described above in connectionwith Fig. 5 and is provided with a bearing portion 45 adjacent the upperend thereof. The bearing portion 45 has a bearing surface 46 adapted tobe urged into firm engagement with the ball l1 when a cap 13' is inplace on the bottle.

The portion of the annular ring 44 intermediate the bearing portion 45and the clamping portion 43 is provided with a plurality of inwardlyextending lugs or projections 47 corresponding to the lugs 31 of Fig. 5and having bearing surfaces 48 located slightly above the open end ofthe bottle 10 for supporting the ball 11 partially within the open endof the bottle 10.

'I'he upper portion of the bottle l0, adjacent the bottom of the neck40, is provided with a shoulder 49 on which the bottom of the cap 13'seats. The neck 40 just above the shoulder 49 is provided with externalthreads 50 adapted to engage cooperating internal threads 51 provided ona downwardly extending portion 52 of the cap 13'. 'I'he inside surfaceof the portion 52 is tapered inwardly as shown so that, when the cap 13'is in place, the bearing surface 46 will firmly engage the ball 11 toseal the same. When the cap is removed, a slight clearance is providedbetween the surface 46 and the ball' 11, as described hereinbefore inconnection with surface 26 of Figs. 2 and 3. The annular ring 44 isprovided with a recess forming a reservoir 30 corresponding to thereservoir 30.

If desired, the lugs 47 may be replaced with a continuous projectingring for supporting the ball 11. ln this case, there will be a slightclearance between the rlng surface and the ball 11 when the container isinverted so that huid may enter the reservoir 30'. A similar arrangementcould be provided for the constructions of Figs. l-S.

While the invention has been described in specific embodiments thereofand in specific uses, it should be understood that it is not limitedthereto, for obvious modications thereof will occur to those skilled inthe art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention asset forth in the appended claims.

What is claimed is: n

l. A dispensing device, comprising a container having an open end, agenerally spherical ball partially within said open end whereby aportion of said ball may be contacted with the contents of saidcontainer: means for rotatably supporting said ball partially withinsaid open end, said means comprising g within said open end androtatably supporting said ball by contact with an inner minor portionthereof andan annular ring having a resilient annular bearing portionthereof encompassing an outer minor portion of said ball and retainingthe saine against movement outwardly of said open end, said ring beingprovided with a cammable surface on an exterior face of said resilientannular bearing portion and a clamping portion, said clamping portionfirmly engaging said container adjacent said open end thereof, and aremovable hollow cap having a camming surface engaging said cammablesurface of said annular ring and urging said bearing portion intosealing engagement with said ball. I

2. A dispensing device, comprising a container having an open end, agenerally spherical ball partially within said open end whereby aportion of said ball may be contacted with the contents of saidcontainer, means for rotatably supporting said ball partially withinsaid open end, said means comprising an annular ring having a relativelyresilient narrow circular bearing portion thereof encompassing an outerportion of said ball and retaining the same against movement outwardlyof said open end, said bearing portion having a cammable surface on anexterior face thereof, and a clamping portion, said clamping portionrmly engaging said container adjacent said open end thereof, and ahollow cap relatively st compared to said bearing portion having one endthereof en compassing the bearing portion of said annular ring, said oneend of said cap having a radially inwardly tapered inner surfaceengaging said cammable surface and urging said bearing portion firmlyinto sealing engagement with said ball thereby to seal said deviceagainst leakage of said contents past said ball when said cap is engagedwith said bearing portion.

3. As an article of manufacture a iiuid containing and dispensingdevice, comprising a container having an open end, a supply of fluidwithin said container, a generally spherical ball partially within saidopen end and having a portion thereof in contact with the fluid contentsof said container, means rotatably supporting said ball partially withinsaid open end, said means comprising a plurality of spaced projectionsintegrally formed with said container and providing a plurality ofspaced bearing surfaces disposed within said open end and rotatablysupporting said ball and an annular ring having a relatively resilientcircular bearing portion thereof encompassing an outer circular portionof said ball and retaining the same against movement outwardly of saidopen end and a clamping portion thereof firmly engaging said containeradjacent said open end thereof, said bearing portion of said annularring being provided with a peripheral surface, and a removable hollowcap relatively sti compared to said bearing portion having one endthereof encompassing the bearing portion of said annular ring, said oneend of said cap having an internal radially inward taper engaging saidperipheral surface of said bearing portion and urging said bearingportion firmly into sealing engagement with said ball thereby to sealsaid container against leakage of said uid contents past said ball whensaid cap is engaged with said bearing portion.

4. As an article of manufacture a deodorant containing and dispensingdevice, comprising a container having an open end, a supply of deodorantwithin said container, a generally spherical ball partially within saidopen end and having a portion thereof in contact with the contents insaid container, means for rotatably supporting said ball partiallywithin said open end, said means comprising an annular ring having aplurality of spaced projections providing a plurality of spaced bearingsurfaces disposed within said open end and rotatably supporting saidball, a relatively resilient bearing portion of said ring encompassing acircular portion of said ball outwardly of said open end and retainingthe ball against mvement outwardly of said open end, a clamping portionon said ring firmly engaging said container adjacent said open endthereof, a peripherally extending cammable surface on said ring adjacentthe bearing portion thereof, and a hollow cap for attachment to saidcontainer and for contacting said cammable surface, said cap beingrelatively stiff compared to said bearing portion having one end thereofencompassing the bearing portion of said annular ring, said one end ofsaid cap having an internal diameter less than the external diameter ofsaid peripheral cammable surface at the area of contact therewith andurging said bearing portion firmly into sealing engagement with saidball thereby to seal said container against leakagel of said contentspast said ball when said cap is engaged with said bearing portion.

5. A dispensing device, comprising a container having an open end, agenerally spherical ball partially within said open end and having aportion thereof in contact with the contents of said container, meansfor rotatably supporting said ball partially within said open end, saidmeans comprising a plurality of spaced bearing surfaces disposed withinsaid open end and rotatably supporting said ball and an annular ringhaving a relatively resilient bearing portion thereof encompassing anouter portion of said ball and retaining the same against movementoutwardly of said open end and a clamping portion thereof firmlyengaging said container adjacent said ope-n end thereof, said bearingportion being provided with external threads having a given rootdiameter, and a relatively stiff removable hollow cap having the mouthend thereof provided with internal threads adapted to engage saidexternal threads, the root diameter of said internal threads remote fromsaid mouth end of said cap being smaller than said given root diameterwhereby threaded engagement of said cap and said bearing portion urgessaid bearing portion firmly into sealing engagement with said ballthereby to seal said container against leakage of said contents pastsaid ball when said cap is engaged with said bearing portion.

6. As an article of manufacture a iiuid deodorant containing anddispensing device, comprising a container having an open end, a supplyof fluid deodorant within said container, a generally spherical ballpartially within said open end and having a portion thereof in contactwith the liuid deodorant in said container, means for rotatablysupporting said ball partially within said open end, said meanscomprising a plurality of spaced bearing surfaces disposed within saidopen end and rotatably supporting said ball and an annular ring having arelatively resilient bearing portion thereof provided with a circularbearing surface encompassing an outer portion of said ball and retainingthe same against movement outwardly of said open end and a clampingportion thereof firmly engaging said container adjacent said open endthereof, said annular ring having a portion of the inner surface thereofdisposed between the bearing surface of said bearing portion and theopen end of said container having an inner diameter larger than that ofsaid bearing portion and larger than the diameter of the adjacentsurface of said ball and forming a reservoir with the latter, thespacing of said portion of the inner surface of said annular ring andthe adjacent surface of said ball being sufficiently small that thefluid deodorant within said reservoir is retained in lubricating contactwith said ball by capillary attraction when said device is not in use,and a hollow cap relatively stiff compared to said bearing portionencompassing the bearing portion of said annular ring, said cap havingan internal surface tapering radially inward toward the top of said capto a smaller diameter than the external diameter of said bearingportion, said internal surface engaging said bearing portion and urgingthe bearing surface of said bearing portion firmly into sealingengagement with said ball thereby to seal said container against leakageof said uid deodorant past said ball when said cap is engaged with saidbearing portion.

7. A liuid dispensing device, comprising a container having an open end,a generally spherical ball partially within said open end whereby aportion of said ball may be contacted with the fluid in said container,means rotatably supporting said ball partially within said open end,said means comprising a plurality of spaced bearing surfaces disposedwithin said open end and rotatably supporting said ball and an annularring having a relatively resilient circular bearing portion thereofprovided with a circular bearing surface encompassing an outer portionof said ball and retaining the same against movement outwardly of saidopen end and a clamping portion thereof firmly engaging said containeradjacent said open end thereof, said annular ring having a portion ofthe inner surface thereof disposed between the bearing surface of saidbearing portion and said container having an inner diameter larger thanthat of said circular bearing surface and the diameter of the adjacentsurface of said ball and forming a reservoir with the latter, thespacing of said portion of the inner surface of said annular ring andthe adjacent surface of said ball being sufficiently small that thefluid within said reservoir is retained in lubricating contact with saidball by capillary attraction when said device is not in use, saidbearing portion being provided with external threads having a given rootdiameter, and a removable hollow cap relatively stiff compared to saidbearing portion having its internal surface provided with internalthreads threadedly engageable with said external threads, the rootdiameter of said internal threads remote from the open end of said capbeing smaller than said given root diameter, the arrangement being suchthat threaded engagement of said cap and said external threads of saidbearing portion will serve to urge the bearing surface of said bearingportion firmly into sealing engagement with said ball thereby to sealsaid container against leakage of said fluid past said ball when saidcap is engaged with said bearing portion.

8. In a ball top uid dispenser having an open-ended container, a ballapplicator rotatably mounted adjacent the open end of the container anda hollow cap having a tapered bore decreasing in diameter with distancefrom the open end of the cap, means for retaining said ball applicatoragainst movement outwardly of the open end of said container and forsealing said dispenser against loss of fluid by leakage and evaporationwhen not in use comprising a resilient annular ring having a firstportion thereof arranged for quick detachable engagement with saidcontainer adjacent the open end thereof, said annular ring having asecond portion including a resilient bearing surface for looselyencompassing an outer portion of said ball when said dispenser is in useand a cammable surface engageable with the tapered bore of said cap,engagement of said cammable surface by said tapered bore of said capurging said bearing surface firmly into sealing engagement with saidball to seal said dispenser. 9. In a ball top fluid dispenser having acontainer, a ball applicator rotatably mounted partially within an openend of the container and an internally threaded removable hollow cap,the root diameter of the internal threads of said cap progressivelydecreasing with distance from the mouth of the cap, means for retainingsaid ball applicator against movement outwardly of the open end of saidcontainer and for sealing said dispenser against loss of fluid byleakage and evaporation when not in use comprising a resilient annularring having a first portion thereof adapted for quick detachableengagement with said container adjacent the open end thereof, saidannular ring having a second portion including a bearing surface forloosely encompassing an outer portion of said ball when said dispenseris in use and an exterior portion having threads of a constant rootdiameter corresponding to the largest root diameter of the internalthreads of said cap and adapted for engagement therewith, engagement ofthe threaded portion of said ring with the threads of said cap urgingsaid bearing surface firmly into sealing engagement with said ball toseal said dispenser upon tightening of the cap. 10. A fluid dispensingdevice, comprising a container having an open end, a generally sphericalball partially within said open end and having a portion thereof incontact with the fluid in said container, means for rotatably supportingsaid ball partially within said open end, said means comprising anannular ring having a relatively resilient bearing portion thereofencompassing an outer portion of said ball to retain the same againstmovement of said open end and a clamping portion firmly engaging saidcontainer adjacent said open end thereof, and a relatively stiffremovable hollow cap engageable with said container adjacent the openend thereof and with the bearing portion of said annular ring, saidbearing portion and said cap having co-operating surfaces arranged toimpart a camming action to said bearing portion upon application of saidcap to said container to urge said bearing portion firmly into sealingengagement with said ball thereby to seal said container against leakageand evaporation of said uid past said ball when said cap is engaged withsaid bearing portion. 11. A fluid dispensing device, comprising acontainer having an open end, said container being provided withexternal threads adjacent said open end thereof, a generally sphericalball adapted to fit partially within said open end whereby a portion ofsaid ball may be contacted with the fluid in said container, means forrotatably supporting said ball partially within said open end, saidmeans comprising an annular ring having a relatively resilient circularfirst bearing portion for encompassing an outer portion of said ball toretain the same against movement outwardly of said open end, peripheralcammable surfaceson said bearing portion, a clamping portion thereof forfirmly engaging said container adjacent said open end and a secondbearing portion encompassing an inner portion of said ball forsupporting said ball and retaining the same against movement inwardly ofsaid open end, and a removable hollow cap relatively stiff compared tosaid first bearing portion and having internal threads for engaging saidexternal threads, said cap having an internal tapered surface forengagement with the cammable surfaces of said annular ring and urgingsaid first bearing portion firmly into sealing engagement with said ballthereby to seal said container against leakage and evaporation of saidfluid past said ball when said cap is engaged with said first bearingportion.

12. A dispensing device comprising a container having an open end, agenerally spherical ball positioned at said open end, an inner portionof said ball being in contact with the contents of said container, meansfor rotatably supporting said ball at said open end comprising bearingsurfaces on said open end of said container for contact with an innerminor portion of said ball, means for retaining said ball againstmovement outwardly from said open end and for sealing said containercomprising an annular member having a resilient annular bearing portionencompassing an outer minor portion of said ball, said member having aclamping portion firmly engaging said container adjacent said open end,said resilient bearing portion being adapted for radial inwarddeformation to seal said container by sealing contact between saidbearing portion and said outer minor portion of said ball uponapplication of an external force directed radially and inwardly againstsaid bearing portion, and means connectable with said container, saidmeans and said member being provided with co-operating surfaces arrangedto impart said radial inward deformation to said bearing portion whensaid means is firmly connected thereto.

13. A dispensing device comprising a container having an open end, agenerally spherical ball at said open end and having an inner portionthereof in contact with the contents of said container, means forrotatably supporting said ball at said open end comprising bearingsurfaces carried by said open end of said container for contact with aninner minor portion of said ball, means for retaining said ball againstmovement outwardly from said open end comprising an annular memberhaving a resilient annular bearing portion encompassing an outer minorportion of said ball, and a clamping portion firmly engaging saidcontainer adjacent said open end, said resilient bearing portion beingadapted for radial inward deformation, and means for sealing saidcontainer comprising a cap for attachment to said container, said capand said member being provided with co-operating surfaces arranged toimpart a camming action to said bearing portion to effect said inwardradial deformation thereof upon firm application of said cap.

14. A dispensing device comprising a container having an open end, aspherical ball adjacent said open end, means carried by said containerfor rotatably and nonresiliently supporting said ball about an innerminor portion thereof, an annular member secured to said open end aboutsaid ball and retaining the same against movement outwardly of said openend, said member having a resilient bearing portion which, in adispensing position, is slightly spaced radially from an outer minorportion of said ball, said bearing portion being adapted for radialinward deformation into sealing contact with said outer minor portion ofsaid ball to seal said container, and means connectable with saidcontainer and having a circumferentially extending surface constructedand arranged to engage said bearing portion to deform all portions ofthe same radially inward into contact with said outer minor portion ofsaid ball to effect said sealing contact.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS741,147 La Burt et al Oct. 13, 1903 1,485,181 Grund Feb. 26, 19241,714,030 Le Boeuf May 21, 1929 1,726,642 Betts Sept. 3, 1929 1,747,550Klimburg Feb. 18, 1930 1,977,414 Testa Oct. 16, 1934 2,135,237 Lewis etal Nov. 1, 1938 2,390,636 Biro Dec. 11, 1945 FOREIGN PATENTS 965,583France Feb. 22, 1950 612,098 Great Britain Nov. 8, 1948 UNITED STATESPATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE oF connEcTloN Patent No. 2,749, 566 June l2,1956 Ralph Henry Thomas It is hereby certified that error appears in theprinted specification of the above numbered patent requiring correctionand that the said Letters Patent should read as corrected below.

Column 3, line 62, for "portions" read portion column 4, line 29, after1'should'1 insert not column 9, line 35, after "movement" insertoutwardly Signed and sealed this 14th day of August 1956.

(SEAL) Attest:

H' AXLINE ROBERT c. WATSON Abbeabng 0f f 1G91 (bmnssioner of Patents

